Page 54 of Sins
“No,” I said quietly and was gifted a glare that at one time would have made me second guess my words. Instead, I remained totally calm. I kept my voice strong as I looked at him like the pathetic lump he was. “I won’t grieve for you, ever. Grief is reserved for those you hold deep in your heart. You’re the cancer that grows around it, that feeds on the love it holds. When the Gateses decide to make their move, I hope it isn’t quick. I want you to have time to think about all that you’ve done to get you here.” I looked around. “May your fate be as damned as the evil that lurks deep beneath our feet.”
I spun around with a hollow laugh and walked out. I finally felt free.
The casinoat Secrets was in full swing when I got back. The burlesque theme with all the black, red, and gold seemed to be a crowd pleaser. Of course, the half-naked girls in cages helped. It drew in the younger crowd. Men wanted to have them, and women wanted to be them.
“Table nine seems to be on a rather long lucky streak,” one of the waitresses mentioned as she walked by me. “Might be worth backing up the tapes.” I nodded and decided to check it outmyself. Mr. Hong didn’t arrive for several hours, so I had some free time.
The security room at Secrets was even more impressive than the one at Indulge, and that was saying something. I used a key and my fingerprint to gain access then stepped inside the room. I came face to face with someone I didn’t recognize.
“It’s okay,” Grim said from behind him. “That’s Kenna Tame, my fiancée.” The man stepped back, and I saw Grim. He sat on the edge of a desk and smiled as he acknowledged me. “This is Agent Cooper Colins with the FBI, and these,” he indicated with his hand, “are some of his associates.”
My stomach bottomed out for a second, but then I took in Grim’s cool composure and steadied myself. It wasn’t often the FBI was around, and I worried if something had happened.
“She’s your fiancée?” Agent Colins grinned down at me with a smile that gave me the shivers. “No way.” He chuckled. “She’s gorgeous.”
“Thanks.” I moved around him and stood next to Grim, and he slid an arm around my waist.
“She sure is.” He kissed the side of my head. I rather liked Grim’s possessive side. “Everything okay?”
“Yes, just a possible problem at table nine.” He nodded at Jesse, who slipped out of the room. “Sorry, I didn’t realize you were in a meeting.”
“It’s fine.” He didn’t let me go, so I guessed I was staying. “So, what did you find out on the Potens?”
Agent Colins glanced at me then at Grim. “Not a lot, more about how they started and that they went quiet after their founder went to prison. There’s been chatter they’re back and after Vegas again. You, Trigger, and Elio have all been mentioned along with Melvern Trident, Jr.”
Grim tossed his head back and laughed. “That little shit’ll be taken out by his own gun before they’ll ever get a chance at him.”
“Nonetheless, your names are out there, and they’re around. Give me a bit more time to dig, and in the meantime, I’ll leave a few agents behind and see what they can find.” Colins caught my eye as he said that and shrugged. “Let me dig some more, we’ll know about it soon enough. The fact they haven’t moved on it since you got back is interesting.”
“Do you think it was called off? Is that a thing?” I couldn’t help but ask.
“No,” Grim shook his head, “once a hit’s in place, it’s followed through to the end.”
“Grim’s right. You can’t take it back.”
“Great,” I muttered and wondered when my time would come.
Agent Colins seemed to take pity on me, and his frown deepened. “I’m sure Grim’s got you well covered, and I’ve put a few extra men at the hotel.”
“I appreciate that,” Grim answered for me. “All right, so, I give you Tony Farrell, and that makes us even for you getting Agent Paul over the border?”
What did I just walk into? And who was Agent Paul?
“Agreed.” Agent Colins nodded. He eyed one of his men then looked back at Grim. “There’s something else.” He looked at me.
“Just say it,” Grim answered. “She’s fine.”
“I need you to pull back on your retaliation with Talya’s parents.” Grim’s arm around me tightened, and I could almost feel the anger burn through him. “We’re watching Jerry Cano, her father, and?—"
Grim cut him off. “Don’t speak to me like I don’t know who they are or what they did. They nearly wiped out part of the Devil’s Reach and almost killed Kenna in my trailer—" His fingers flexed on my hip, and I slid my hand over his to let him know I was okay. “What I have planned for them is kinder than what they deserve.”
“I’m not questioning your motives, Grim, but he’s been in contact with some people we’re watching, and we need him alive.” Agent Colins stepped toward us. “Look I’d kill anyone who tried to hurt someone I loved, too, so consider this favor and I’ll be in your debt once again.”
“A debt I’ll collect on,” Grim hissed through clenched teeth.
“Of course.”
Grim looked down at me, and I wished I could read his thoughts. “If the Canos ever step foot in Vegas,” he tore his gaze off mine, “they’re dead.”